Century Park Blog

Kindness is choosing to do something that helps others or yourself, motivated by genuine warm feelings. Kindness, or doing good, often means putting other people’s needs before our own. It could be by giving up our seat on a bus to someone who might need it more or offering to make a cup of tea for someone at work.

Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and wellbeing. For example, it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness.

There are so many ways to help others as part of our everyday lives. Good deeds don’t require a lot of time or money. Small changes can make a big difference.

What are some health benefits of kindness?

Helping others feels good.

Studies have found that acts of kindness are linked to increased feelings of well-being. Helping others can also improve our support networks and encourage us to be more active. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem.

It creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation.

Helping others is thought to be one of the ways that people create, maintain, and strengthen their social connections. For example, volunteering and helping others can help us feel a sense of belonging, make new friends, and connect with our communities.

It helps to make the world a happier place – one act of kindness can often lead to more!

Acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone. They can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism. These acts of kindness may also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they’ve experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community.

The more you do for others, the more you do for yourself.

The benefits of helping others can last long after the act itself, for those who offer kindness, and those who benefit from that kindness. This, in turn, can improve our self-esteem.

Acts of kindness have the potential to make the world a happier place. We want to see a world where kindness is built into business decisions, government policy and official systems. However, we can start by individual commitment to showing kindness in our words and our actions.

Be kind to yourself. Prioritize some 'me' time, so you can relax and think about how you’re feeling. Try tuning out of social media channels for a day, or even a week. Treat yourself to something - it doesn't have to be a big thing. Do something you enjoy, like listening to a favorite song or dancing in your kitchen. Spend some time with nature. It's great for our mental health.